GABBY Agbonlahor is keen to be a lean, mean striking machine for Paul Lambert as the Villa squad anticipate a clean slate under the new manager.

GABBY Agbonlahor is keen to be a lean, mean striking machine for Paul Lambert as the Villa squad anticipate a clean slate under the new manager.

After struggling with form and fitness intermittently in the past two seasons, Agbonlahor wants to be at the peak of his powers in the coming campaign.

And the Brummie forward, whose form dipped in the second half of last term, reckons all of the Villa players are looking forward to getting a fresh start.

Agbonlahor’s last Premier League goal came in a Villa Park victory over Norwich last November before his encouraging early season impact began to fade.

The club’s current longest serving player reckons the arrival of the new manager is the ideal incentive to strive to get back to his best.

“On a personal note I’m excited,” said Agbonlahor.

“It’s a new start and a new challenge. With a new manager you want to get yourself lean and ready for the start of the new season.

“So I’m excited for myself and for a lot of the squad, they’ll be excited as well.”

Agbonlahor believes the likes of Jean Makoun, who has returned to Villa following a season-long loan with Olympiakos, and lesser-used players such as Ciaran Clark might get more opportunities.

“For the whole squad, for every player, it’s a fresh start,” he said. “I think when everyone comes back for pre-season everyone starts from the same level really. It’s the best start for everyone to show what they’ve got to get a place in the side.

“Maybe guys who didn’t get a chance under the last manager will get a chance to show what they’ve got. I think for everyone, the squad and the fans especially, it looks like exciting times ahead.”